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Lacerda Elevator

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Landmark
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Lacerda Elevator (Brazil)

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The Lacerda Elevator is the primary landmark of Salvador, Bahia, connecting the Lower City (Cidade Baixa) to the Upper City (Cidade Alta). Inaugurated in 1873, it was the first public elevator in the world and a significant engineering feat for its time. Originally featuring two hydraulic cabins, it underwent a major renovation in 1930, adopting its current Art Deco style and expanding to four electric cabins. Standing 72 meters high, the elevator completes the vertical journey in about 20 seconds, offering passengers a panoramic view of the Bay of All Saints. Today, it remains a vital part of the city's public transport system, carrying tens of thousands of people daily between the commercial district and the historic Pelourinho area. The elevator is not only a functional piece of infrastructure but also a symbol of Bahia's modernization and historical resilience, protected as a national heritage site.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727272524242324252627
Rain mm83871001471661381289671697257

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Lacerda Elevator is a public transport facility and can be used during operating hours without a ticket. You can access the viewing platform at the upper station and enjoy the view over the bay.
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Typical hours
The elevator typically runs daily from about 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, but exact hours may vary by season. Using it during peak hours incurs a small fee, but it is very cheap.
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Photography
Photography is expressly allowed on the viewing platform and during the ride - the panoramic view is a popular photo subject. Keep your camera ready, but be mindful of other passengers and do not push.
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Time needed
The elevator ride itself lasts only about 30 seconds, but you should allow an additional 10 to 15 minutes for the viewing platform. In total, 20 to 30 minutes are enough for a short visit.
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Combine with
Combine the elevator ride with a visit to Mercado Modelo, located right at the lower exit - a great place for souvenirs. In the upper city, you can explore the historic Pelourinho district, just a short walk away.
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Getting there
The lower entrance of the elevator is at Praça Visconde de Cayru in the lower city, and the upper entrance at Largo do Pelourinho in the upper city. Both locations are easily reachable on foot, by bus, or taxi.
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Insider tip
Ride the elevator late in the afternoon to experience the golden sunset light over the bay - an unforgettable sight. Avoid peak hours (morning and evening) as the elevator gets very crowded.

Geography

Coordinates
-12.97340, -38.51330

Facts

  • Opened on December 8, 1873, as the world's first public elevator.
  • The tower stands 72 meters tall against the coastal cliff.
  • It transports roughly 900,000 passengers every month.
  • The trip between the two levels takes approximately 22 seconds.
  • It was originally powered by a hydraulic steam system.
  • The elevator is listed as a national heritage site by IPHAN since 2006.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

SalvadorSalvador<1 km · NEExplore →
Barra LighthouseBarra Lighthouse4 km · SWExplore →
Basilica of Nosso Senhor do BonfimBasilica of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim4 km · EExplore →
Camaçari Petrochemical ComplexCamaçari Petrochemical Complex36 km · NEExplore →
Morro de Sao PauloMorro de Sao Paulo57 km · SWExplore →
CachoeiraCachoeira60 km · SEExplore →
Tamar Project Praia do ForteTamar Project Praia do Forte66 km · NEExplore →
BoipebaBoipeba71 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Lacerda Elevator (17)

Forte São Pedro🏰 castle

Constructed in the 18th century, this inland fortification played a key role during the battles for Bahian independence.

Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia🏛 museum

Housed in the historic Solar do Unhão estate on the bay, this museum features an open-air sculpture park and modern Brazilian art.

Museu de Arte Sacra🏛 museum

Located in the former Carmelite convent of Santa Teresa, this museum safeguards an extensive collection of colonial-era religious artifacts.

Mario Cravo🏺 historical

Also known as the Monument to the City of Salvador, this towering fiberglass sculpture was created by a renowned local artist before tragically burning in 2019.

Monumento ao Cabloco🏺 historical

This towering bronze and marble column in Campo Grande square commemorates the heroes of Bahian independence, topped by an indigenous figure.

Câmara Municipal de Salvador🏺 historical

Situated in the historic center, this 16th-century municipal building features an imposing arched facade characteristic of Portuguese colonial civic architecture.

Teatro Castro Alves🎭 culture

Salvador's premier performing arts complex features modernist architecture and hosts the Bahia Symphony Orchestra as well as major international concerts.

♿

Mercado Modelo🎭 culture

Occupying a former customs house by the port, this animated market is a major hub for Bahian handicrafts, local art, and traditional souvenirs.

🕒 Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 09:00-13:00

Igreja da Misericórdia⛪ religious

The Igreja da Misericórdia is a prominent historic church belonging to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia complex in Salvador.

Mosteiro de São Bento⛪ religious

The Mosteiro de São Bento is a historic Benedictine monastery and abbey complex located in the heart of Salvador.

Teatro Vila velha🎭 culture

Teatro Vila Velha is a cultural theatre renowned for its role in fostering the Tropicália movement and avant-garde arts in Bahia.

Elevador Lacerda📍 landmark

Opened on December 8, 1873, this iconic Art Deco elevator connects the lower and upper levels of Salvador.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:00-19:30🆓

Praça Castro Alves🌳 park

Named after the famous Brazilian poet, this square features his statue and provides panoramic views over the Bay of All Saints.

Praça da Piedade🌳 park

Praça da Piedade is a historically significant urban square surrounded by important civic and institutional buildings.

Igreja do Senhor Bom Jesus dos Aflitos⛪ religious

This historic church is known for its religious devotion and is a prominent architectural landmark of the Aflitos area.

Praça Carneiro Ribeiro🌳 park

Praça Carneiro Ribeiro is a local urban public square offering a relaxing open space surrounded by city architecture.

Galeria Cañizares UFBA🏛 museum

Operated by the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), this gallery showcases engaging exhibitions of contemporary visual arts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How much does a ride on the Elevador Lacerda cost?
The ride is extremely cheap, costing only a few cents (approx. 0.15 BRL).
Which parts of the city does the elevator connect?
It connects the Lower City (Cidade Baixa) with the Upper City (Cidade Alta/Pelourinho).
Is there a view during the ride?
No, the cabins are enclosed. The view is enjoyed from the platforms at the entrances/exits.
How long does the ride take?
The ride only takes about 30 seconds.
Does the elevator operate 24/7?
It operates almost 24/7, often from 6 AM until late at night.
Lacerda Elevator: where is it located?
Lacerda Elevator is located in Brazil.
Lacerda Elevator: what is there to see?
Highlights include Forte São Pedro, Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia, Museu de Arte Sacra.
Lacerda Elevator: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.
Lacerda Elevator: why is it worth visiting?
The Lacerda Elevator is the primary landmark of Salvador, Bahia, connecting the Lower City (Cidade Baixa) to the Upper City (Cidade Alta).
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nature

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More places

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The historic center of Salvador da Bahia, featuring colorful colonial houses and Afro-Brazilian culture.
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A versatile port in Bahia, important for both passenger cruises and cargo, including petrochemicals and fruits.
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The Farol da Barra is a historic lighthouse in Salvador, built on the site of a 16th-century fort at the entrance to the Bay of All Saints.
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